Ask Ally Condie - Tuesday, March 12th! discussion
Ask Ally!
Lauren wrote: "Oh, and also, where did you get the inspiration for the Matched series?"from set marriages in other countries and people who are her friends that have set marriages and she seen how happy they are.
Alyssa wrote: "Hi Ally,Do you ever think the of world becoming like it is in your books? And how do you think people would react if they had to go through a matching pool is real life? Would they go with the fl..."
it is real in some places thats why she came up with the title matched in countries over in the middle east they have set marriages and they are happy
Jessica wrote: "Dear Ally, I would like to know about your inspiration for this series (and other books you've written) and he inspirations for your characters. What part about dystopian worlds made you write abo..."
she has friends that were matched to get married and thats how she came up with the idea of matched and she was a high school teacher so that made it to were she wanted to write about younger people and she has friends that are in a matched marriage and they are truly happy she saw something about it on the news and talked to her husband and that how it got inspired.
Hello AllyI had an English teacher once who told us we should only write about things we know. Do you agree with this?
Hi ally two questions will you write more books and how did you learn to write so poetically. Also will cas ky xander have kids thanks
Hi Ms. Condie!I'm going to skip over all the fandom and praise and get right to the point. I think it was genius of you to write from both Ky and Cassia's point of view in Crossed. I like how we, as readers, were able to see the story from both sides. What made you decide to do this? Why didn't you do it in the first book also?
Also, how does/did being a Latter-day Saint (I'm one, too!) influence your writing and thought process? Did it affect your story in any way?
Is there anything that you regret putting in your book? Do you think your books are perfect and as pristine as they can be, or do you personally view them as still having flaws? If so, what are the flaws?
Thank-you for your time! Keep up the GREAT work!
~Katie
Hey Ally,Ummmmm.....gosh so many questions to ask.
Okay, in my English class we don't take tests: we have question and answers discussions, and one question that keeps coming up is "do authors think about the symbolism and imagery and everything else that they put into their books, or does it just happen?" What is your opinion on this?
Secondly, did you base Cassie's grandfather off of someone in your own life? If so who?
Thanks so much for your time,
Beanie
P.s if anyone else has asked these questions just post the message number and i look at your response on their's
Ally,Has Hollywood knocked on your door yet for the movie rights and who would be your perfect Cassia, Ky, and Xander?
Hi Ally,Wanted to let you know how much i enjoyed the matched series. It was full of everything i love to read about! Just wanted to let you know that the lost book was good but i just feel it was left to open to our interpretation.... I would love a separate book explaining how the city grew up from the disaster ect.
other than that you are really a fantastic author!
What inspired you to write the Matched series? Any tips for young writers or readers?
Hello! I'm Gabrielle. First off, I'd like to say that this trilogy has been incredibly clever. The ideas you've created are unique. I know that there are already several dystopian novels out there, but yours is one of the most interesting and manages to stand out from all the rest. How did you come up with the idea to "match" the characters up?
Dear Ally,Why did you chose to incorporate poetry into your books, and where did you get the idea for your books?
Dear Allywhen writing these series how did you know what to write after every book?:D
Hi Ally!I have read the entire Matched trilogy and I love it! I want to be an author and your books inspire me a lot! I love them! I had a couple of questions for you:
1: How did you come up with your characters? Were they based off people? Or just part of your imagination?
2: How did you find you agent/publisher/editor and who did you have to find first in order to start the publishing process?
3: How do you develop your character's personalities? I loved what you did with Cassia's character and I especially loved Xander and Indie.
Thank you for your time! I love your books!
How did you come up with the idea of dying at 70 by poisoning? Would YOU do it if you had the chance to die at 70 (presumably) in good health?Also, why do you think dystopian novels are so popular today?
(I am a teen librarian and I recommend your books to all my teens and I haven't had one yet who didn't LOVE it!)
Hey Ally! As I read your books, I kept wondering... if someone living in the Society was gay, how would they be matched? Since matches were pretty focused on creating kids, would gay people simply remain singles? When Cassia and Xander have their date and they see other singles having dates, I thought that might be how the gay people would do things. :) Just curious if you thought about that at all and what you think would've happened.
Ms. Ally,Are their any things in the book you put in solely for yourself? As in a deeper meaning of a name or event that wouldn't be obvious to a reader.
-Many Thanks!
Will you come out with any more books pertaining to the matched trilogy? Are you working on anything now?
Wow, this is so awesome. I've always wanted to ask an author something. Okay, so how do you develop such a beautifully flowing, poetic writing style? Do you read or practice certain things? Also, what do you think makes Ky so compatable with Cassia?Thanks, and I hope you answer mine!
--Yoda
Hi Ally! I was wondering: What's the hardest part about writing, in your opinion?
I read an article from npr regarding 3D food printing. Essentially it was suggesting every household would have a printer to print its own processed foods injected w/nutrients beneficial to the individual. It reminded me of the food delivery system in your books. Does it scare you to come across articles like this or did you draw on these sort of scifi in real life stories?
Firstly I'd like to say this series is probably one of my favorites, it's really good, and when I finally got my hands on the third, almost died with joy. :DAnd I've been dying to know since finishing the first book and having read the second book who put Ky in the matching pool? Was it simply a mistake? Do we ever find out? Like, we will find out in the third installment of the series?
Sincerly,
Jennifer (petestolemyname)
Hey Ally,I am big fan of the Matched series. I was wondering what your next series will be?
hi Ally! I'm a italian girl and I love your book! I'm waiting for read reached and I hope italian editors going to publish it soon! at the end of crossed Cassia is talking about Ky or Xander (who os going to meet)? can you tell me me something about Indie? sorry for my bad english :) thanks, chiara
Hi Ally! I'm currently reading Reached (and will probably be done by the time of this Q&A). I really enjoy your books.
Can you explain why you made the choice to switch the format in Crossed in Reached rather than sticking with Cassia as sole narrator?
Also, on that note - were you worried that spending so much time with Ky in the second book would reduce the impact of the love triangle part of the story? (Although I find the romance angle interesting to a degree, it's the broader Society story that keeps me sucked in.) As the reader gets to know Ky much better in the second book, for a time I found myself less invested in the love triangle as Xander was not getting the same sort of treatment - and it was hard for me to take Xander seriously as a contender for that reason. As I mentioned, I just started Reached - I am enjoying reading from Xander's PoV as well now and would be interesting in hearing your thoughts and reasons for choosing the narrators for each book.
Can't wait to read your thoughts on everyone's great questions during the Q&A.
Hi Ally!!!i and such a big fan i love your book i have never read any like them and i bet i never will I AM SO FREACKING OUT RIGHT KNOW (sorry if im being really ocward)
Who did put Ky in the matching pool!? And how did you come up with this series? I must say I am a big fan and am so curious as to who put him in the pool!! (:
I am a huge fan of your books, I at first wasn't sure if I would like them or not but I love them. What is your favorite thing about writting?
Also which of the three books was the hardest to write?
Hi AllyMy name is Maj-Britt (My-Britt) I've the whole Matched series and i thought it was brilliant. I've never really been interested in poetry but reading the Matched series has really gotten me into it, and what the meaning behind poetry really is.
I'm really curious about the how the Society works without a one leader/president/monarch and did Cassia's granddad know about the Plague?
Hi Ally,I was wondering how you came up with the appearances of the characters. Did you think of a person and then make a personality to match? Or did the appearance just come naturally after deciding on the personalities?
Also, when I read books I never picture the characters-- I only picture the scenes because I never understand completely what the characters look like. So, are there any famous people who look similar to the characters you imagined that you could point out?
Just a shout out from our book discussion group at Kromrey Middle School in Middleton, WI--we will be logging in at lunchtime on Tuesday to see Ally's responses!
Ally, I am a huge fan! You, Ally Carter, and Rachel Hawkins are my favorite authors.
Questions:
1.How do you come up with your ideas?
2.Which Character in the Matched Trilogy was most like yourself?
3.Did you base some of your characters off of real people?
4.If you Cassia which boy would you prefer?
5.Will you ever write a story of another character in the book at the same time that the Matched Trilogy's events were taking place?
6. When you were younger what was your favorite book?
Sincerly,
Rachel
Dear Ally,The Matched Trilogy was amazing. I was hooked right until the very end. My question for you is...Did you intend for Ky to end up with Cassia from the time you started writing, or did you decide later who she would belong with?
Thanks for the great reads!
Chrissy
Hi Ally!I was wondering, what made you want a love triangle in your trilogy (Ky > Cassia < Xander)? And are you planning on publishing other books/series? :)
Thank you! I loved Matched.
HEY ALLY ♥HEY! I AM THIRTEEN YEARS OLD AND LAST YEAR WHEN I READ YOUR FIRST BOOK I WAS HOOKED! I HAVE READY EVERY SINGLE BOOK YOU HAVE WRITTEN AND I CANT WAIT FOR MORE BOOKS IN THE FUTURE! YOU ARE AN AMAZING AUTHOR! WHEN IM OLDER I COULD JUST DREAM OF BEING AS GOOD AS YOU ARE! ♥♥♥
TINA
Hey, I'm Mary! Just wondering, which of the characters in matched is your favorite? If It's Cassie, Who is your second favorite?
Sorry, Mary again, I made a typo- meant to say Cassia not Cassie.
Hi Ally, I'm a huge fan of your books, I was wondering if you will write a few specials excerpts or stories about the Matched trilogy. Thanks, Kat.
What was your inspiration for the book covers? Was the color scheme intentional? I noticed the colors for the covers were the same as the colors for the pill
If you're still answering questions; which character was the hardest for you to come up with? You are an amazing author, thanks for doing this!
Are you planning on continuing anything to do with the matched series? Or was reached the final thing ever? I'd love to see a spin off series, to see how they end up now with voting, (hopefully) coping without the society, etc. I just can't get enough of this series! I was so sad when it ended! (:
Hey my name is Paige. I Read all of the Matched trilogy for a school reading. I was amazed by the depth you created with each character. Now my question is..... What inspired you? I mean did a relantion go wrong or was this a creatical whim you had? Just wondering... Hope to hear from you:)
Hi Ally! I am a huge fan ( I bet you get that a lot) and I love the Matched books. They are amazing! I have just started reading thr third book and so far so good. You are one of my favorite authors and I would like to ask you if you would make another book series such as Matched? I understand that Reached just came out in fall and you probably need some time to relax but would you make some more books? If so, will they be similar to the Matched books? That would be amazing! Anyway, I would love any book you write! Keep up the good work! I wish you many success in the future!Thank you so much for reading this long post,
Laura
What do you do when you have writer's block?
Have you considered writing another book based on one of the other characters in the book? I'd love to read something more on Cassia's grandparents.
Hi Ally, I have read your book Matched and cant wait to read Reached and Crossed. I read Matched in the fastest time I have ever read a book. It was gripping and romantic, my perfect book. Enough about what I think, what about you? Did it take you long to write Matched and what kind of books do you like to read? Are they the type of books you write,or any other genre? Thanks a bunch for reading my post and I hope you have a great day. GO ALLY CONDIE!!
From Bethany xxx
dear Ally,first of all I would like to say i love all your books. and i was wondering what would be your tips for writing a book!
sincerely
shivani
Hi Ally I've read the whole matched trilogy and i must say thank you. Its been a privileged taking that adventure with Cassia from the very beginning of matched till the very end in Reached. It was an emotional roller coaster with all its ups and downs and i can honestly say it was brilliant. Reached was just.. unbelievably breathtaking. It seemed like a whole knew world when it was in my hands though it seemed like i barely had in my grasp long enough, till i realized i had finished. when i'd finished the series i was just held back by how everything fit together like a perfectly pieced puzzle which helped me get through the fact that it was over. Please, please never stop writing. im a big fan :) question: what books inspired you to write matched?
Dear Ally Condie,Your books are magical and I hope you continue writing other stories. I loved the trilogy. It was very interesting. DO you like Xander or Ky better? WHere did their characters come from? I aspire to be a writer one day. Would you read an exerpt from my novel?
i watched an interview about this and she said that in alot of other countries that marriages are set and they are very happy only recently threw history we are able to make the choice to marry whom we want to and still in other countries they still have arranged marriages she was talking to her husband about it and thats how match the first book started